The National Contact Point (NCP): OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

National Contact Point - OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

© Ryan McVay - getty images

OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises are recommendations by governments to companies active in international markets, with the central aim of advancing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) around the world. The Guidelines were developed by the OECD member countries in cooperation with companies, labour and business organisations, and civil society actors, and have been adopted by all 34 OECD member countries as well as eight non-OECD states.

The Guidelines target all main areas of business ethics, including general policies, information disclosure, human rights, employment and industrial relations, environment, combating corruption, consumer interests, science and technology, competition, and taxation.

National Contact Point

As stated in the Guidelines, all adhering governments are to set up a National Contact Point (NCP). The NCP's main tasks are

• to raise awareness of the OECD Guidelines and to advance their implementation, and
• to investigate alleged breaches of the Guidelines and seek an amicable settlement among the affected parties.

Germany's NCP is based at the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology and is readily available to provide further information and support.